The creators of the Modretro Chromatic simply shared a brand new teaser for its FPGA N64 , and the reimagined retro console will set you again $199.99. The cartridge-based system can even seemingly arrive in time for Christmas, however I will want extra particulars than that.
Introduced through X, Modretro’s founder, Palmer Luckey, teases the “M64” with a video of somebody enjoying Mario Kart 64 on a hidden console. So as to add to the cheese, the cloaked system has a handwritten signal subsequent to it that reads “no peeking till Christmas!” presumably serving as a tough ETA. That trace is adopted up by a extra easy $199.99 MSRP reveal on the finish of the clip.
That occurs to be the identical because the Nintendo 64 launch worth again in 1997, and the MSRP is not coincidental. As a caption to the teaser clip, Palmer proclaims “Inflation is not nostalgic,” whereas claiming that the M64 shall be “The perfect and most genuine strategy to play your favourite N64 video games, bar none.”
ModRetro’s latest product is M64. The perfect and most genuine strategy to play your favourite N64 video games, bar none. Put together your pockets and brace your thoughts.Launches on the similar worth as the unique Nintendo 64. Inflation is not nostalgic. pic.twitter.com/LYDyiBBx2OJuly 24, 2025
The announcement comes precisely one week after phrase of one other Analogue N64 console delay, so you might say the Modretro’s annoucement is tactical. Nevertheless, it is value noting that the Analogue 3D is about to be with us subsequent month, and in contrast to the M64, we all know precisely the form of FPGA expertise it intends to ship.
The idea is that the M64 will rival the Analogue 3D with 4K output and virtually good N64 cartridge compatibility utilizing FPGA (area programmable gate array) tech. In layman’s phrases, it’s going to mimic Nintendo’s unique console on a {hardware} degree fairly than counting on emulation, which theoretically ends in higher efficiency and accuracy.
At this stage, the Analogue 3D already has all its playing cards on the desk. The console guarantees 4K output, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and unique show modes that’ll replicate the distinctive impact of CRT TVs. There’s each likelihood the M64 will provide up comparable advantages, however Modretro appears to be sitting on any particular plans it has for the FPGA system.
If the Chromatic is something to go by, there’s additionally an opportunity the M64’s shell shall be made from magnesium alloy, however that is hypothesis based mostly on the FPGA Sport Boy Coloration. Nonetheless, it is secure to say the tip consequence will doubtless be one thing that appears like an unique N64 however with premium components and stylistic modifications.
It doesn’t matter what system you find yourself going for, 2025 goes to usher in a neater strategy to play N64 video games in 4K. I am at present engaged on cheaper DIY strategies that contain the unique {hardware}, however upscaling issues to UHD resolutions is each difficult and costly. Whether or not or not it is value spending $249 on the Analogue 3D over the $199.99 Modretro M64 will grow to be clear quickly, however with solely $50 of a worth hole between the 2, gamers may find yourself grabbing the previous months prematurely (supplied it does not pull a Pocket and go swiftly out of inventory.)
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